Monday, 17 March 2025
It was a beautiful day with half-cloudy skies and a gentle breeze coming from the southwest as we sailed out on the open water. The temperature was around 7°C, and the calmness of the sea reflected the perfect conditions for whale watching. We looked all around us, eagerly scanning the water, hoping to spot the majestic creatures of the deep. Our eyes were wide with anticipation as we made our way southeast of Hrísey, hoping for a glimpse of these magnificent giants.
Then, out of the corner of our eyes, we saw it. A dark shape moving through the water—a humpback whale’s back breaking the surface. The excitement on board was palpable. We had to wait patiently, hoping the whale would resurface and give us a better view.
A few moments later, our wait paid off. The whale breached the surface again, just a short distance from the boat. It took a few deep breaths, its massive body gracefully rising from the water, before disappearing beneath the surface once again. We waited in silence, the anticipation building as we looked around, keeping our eyes peeled for any sign of the whale’s return.
We decided to turn off the engine for a while and soak in the calm and stillness of the surroundings. It was peaceful—just the gentle rocking of the boat, the clear blue sky above, and the quiet expanse of the ocean stretching out before us. And then, just as we were settling into the tranquility, we spotted it again. The whale surfaced, took a few more breaths, and disappeared into the deep blue of the ocean once more.
But the real magic happened next. As we were waiting, the humpback whale resurfaced once more—but this time, it was incredibly close to the boat. The sight of it was breathtaking. The enormity of the creature was astonishing, and we could see just how massive it truly was. The giant pectoral fins, the largest in the animal kingdom, were clearly visible. They were so large, they looked almost otherworldly. It was a humbling and awe-inspiring sight.
As we watched, we knew that this moment was one we would never forget. The whale lingered for just a little longer, taking a few more breaths before disappearing once more into the depths of the ocean. We all stood in awe, silently bidding farewell to this incredible creature, before slowly turning the boat back toward the harbor.
Our hearts were full of wonder, and the experience of getting so close to a humpback whale will stay with us forever. There’s nothing quite like seeing these incredible animals in their natural habitat—a reminder of the beauty and mystery of the ocean and the creatures that call it home.
Pictures & Text: Lenka
Departure of the day: 13:00 o’clock Classic Tou